Predators can sequester and use novel toxins from exotic non-coevolved prey

Here, we chose a well-known system of invasive species to test whether non-coevolved predators can sequester and use toxins from exotic prey. Together with the invasive prickly pear plants, cochineal bugs (Dactylopius spp.) are spreading worldwide from their native range in the Americas. These insects produce carminic acid, a defensive anthraquinone that some specialized predators of cochineal bugs sequester for their own defense. We carried out a series of experiments to test whether non-coevolved predators in the exotic range of cochineal bugs can also sequester carminic acid and potentially benefit from this substance.

We designed a series of experiments to test whether non-coevolved predators that feed on exotic cochineal bugs can sequester carminic acid and use it to release it on demand and repel their potential enemies. We first identified and quantified the resident predators that exploit cochineal bugs in the Mediterranean basin, an area invaded by cochineal bugs. Then, we determined whether the most abundant coccinellid predator tolerated, sequestered, and released carminic acid in the reflex-bleeding. Finally, we quantified the deterrent effect of carminic acid against antagonistic ants present in the invaded area.

This data collection gathers different datasets collected by Ángel Plata between 2020 and 2022. It is organized in three different folders according to previously stated objectives. Each folder contains a file with the collected data. Besides the data, each folder contains README files that explain the methodology for collecting the data and README files that describe the structure of the data. When necessary, the calculation sheets and the codes related to statistical analysis and generation of figures are also included.